Efficacy of Combined Dextromethorphan and Gabapentin as Premedication on Postoperative Pain Management in Knee Arthroscopy: A Clinical Trial

Background and purpose: Postoperative pain management would result in increased patient’s satisfaction and decreases their problems. This survey was performed to determine the efficacy of premedication with dextromethorphan and gabapentin alone or in combination, for postoperative pain management in anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament knee arthroscopy with general anesthesia. Materials and methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 114 patients under anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament knee arthroscopy with general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either dextromethorphan or gabapentin alone or in combination. The intensity of pain was assessed by numeric rating scale (NRS). Analgesic use and Ramsay score were compared among the three groups. Results: In this study, the pain (P=0.0001) and analgesic use (P=0.004) were significantly lower in patients who had received the combination of dextromethorphan and gabapentin. Conclusion: According to current study, premedication with combination of dextromethorphan and gabapentin is superior to each one alone for postoperative pain management in anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament knee arthroscopy with general anesthesia. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20141127020112N9)